Grace Chanda

Grace Chanda (born 11 June 1997) is a Zambian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder and forward for Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) as well as the Zambia national team.

Chanda previously played in her native Zambia with ZESCO United and Red Arrows, as well as in Kazakhstan with BIIK Kazygurt and in Spain for Madrid CFF. She was one of three players shortlisted for African Women's Footballer of the Year in 2022.

Early years
In 2018, Chanda scored 86 goals in 26 games for ZESCO United.

Ahead of the newly-created FAZ Women's Super Division national championship in 2021, Chanda signed for Red Arrows. Red Arrows finished second behind Green Buffaloes but individually Chanda won the golden boot for the 2021 season, scoring 35 goals in total, and was named FAZ Women's Player of the Year.

BIIK Kazygurt, 2022
In March 2022, Chanda signed with BIIK Kazygurt of the Kazakhstani Championship. On August 18, 2022, she scored a hat-trick on her UEFA Women's Champions League debut in a 5–1 victory over ŽNK Split during the 2022–23 UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying stage. She was the first Zambian women's footballer to do so.

Madrid CFF, 2022–2024
On September 3, 2022, Chanda signed with Madrid CFF in Spain's top division Liga F on a two-year contract. She made her debut on September 24 during a 3–1 win against FC Levante Las Planas. In October, she scored a goal and provided an assist to help lift Madrid to a 4–0 win over Real Betis. During the team's match against Atlético Madrid, she scored the equalizer goal after subbing in at the half resulting in a 1–1 draw. She finished the 2022–23 season with three goals and two assists. Madrid finished in fifth place. Chanda spent the majority of the 2023–24 season sidelined having been taken ill at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in July 2023. She remained in hospital in New Zealand throughout August, eventually returning to light training with Madrid in September although did not return to playing until May 2024.

Orlando Pride, 2024–
On May 30, 2024, Orlando Pride of the National Women's Soccer League announced the signing of Chanda as a free agent until 2025 with an option for 2026. She is scheduled to join the club following the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

International career
Chanda represented Zambia at the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations and 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations.

Chanda was the top goalscorer with eight goals at the 2020 CAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament, the Olympic-qualifying tournament for Africa and helped Zambia qualify for their first Olympics.

Chanda was one of three players shortlisted for African Women's Footballer of the Year in 2022.

On the eve of Zambia's FIFA Women's World Cup debut in July 2023, Chanda was ruled out of the tournament with illness.

Personal life
Chanda notes American striker Alex Morgan as a football idol.

Career statistics
International goals

Scores and results list Zambia's goal tally first

Honours
BIIK Kazygurt
 * Kazakhstani Championship: 2022

Zambia
 * Women's Africa Cup of Nations third place: 2022

Individual
 * Football Association of Zambia Women's Player of the Year: 2021
 * FAZ Women's Super Division golden boot: 2021
 * Women's Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2022
 * IFFHS CAF Women's Team of The Year: 2022